IEC Certificate

Introduction to IEC or Import Export Code

Not every cross-border transaction needs an IEC, as there are exemptions in specific categories and transactions. It is important to remain up to date with ongoing regulatory changes from the DGFT portal so that you don’t miss out on any crucial compliance requirements. IEC registration is handled as per the regulations mentioned under Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and is handled by DGFT. Apply now and continue your import-export business without fail. 

What is an IEC Certificate?

It is important to remain up to date with ongoing regulatory changes from the DGFT portal so that you don’t miss out on any crucial compliance requirements. IEC registration is handled as per the regulations mentioned under Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and is handled by DGFT. Apply now and continue your import-export business without fail. 

An IEC certificate is a 10-digit business identity number issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is issued under Section 7 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. 

The full form of IEC is Importer Exporter Code, and it is also referred to as the Certificate of Importer Exporter Code or the DGFT IEC certificate. It is similar to a business passport for the international trade system, which customs officers use to clear goods. Banks use the IEC certificate to release or receive foreign investment and transfer.

Latest Update: Since the GST came out, the IEC number is now considered the same as your PAN. But importers & exporters are still required to apply on the DGFT portal and get the certificate issued. Remember, only one IEC is allowed per PAN.

Who Needs an IEC Certificate?

All entity types, including proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, private limited company, public limited company, HUF, trust, and society, can apply. Get an IEC certificate if you are:

• A trader importing goods into India

• A manufacturer or merchant exporting goods out of India

• An e-commerce seller shipping products abroad (Amazon Global Selling, Etsy, eBay, Shopify)

• A service exporter who wants to claim benefits under the Foreign Trade Policy

• A business receiving foreign payments against export of goods.

Who Does Not Need It?

• Individuals importing or exporting goods for personal use only, not for trade or business

• Central and State Government ministries and departments (they have permanent IEC numbers)

• Service providers who are not claiming any benefit under the Foreign Trade Policy

If you are unsure whether your case falls under an exemption, speak to our team before you apply. 

Benefits of Getting an IEC Certificate

Apart from it being mandatory in applicable cases, there are multiple advantages of applying for an IEC certificate from the DGFT portal. Some are:

Eligibility Criteria for IEC Registration

To apply for IEC Code Registration, businesses and individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Business Entity: The applicant must have a registered business in India, such as a proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or private limited company.

• PAN Card: A valid PAN card is mandatory for both individuals and business entities.

• Business Bank Account: The business must have an operational bank account linked to the PAN card.

• Address Proof: Valid address proof, such as electricity bills, rental agreements, or property documents, is required.

Documents Required for IEC Certificate Registration

Different sets of documents are needed for applicants, with additional ones depending on the business type.

For all applicants

1. PAN card of the business (or of the proprietor, in case of a proprietorship)

2. Aadhaar card of the proprietor, partner, or director (needed for e-sign OTP)

3. Cancelled cheque or bank certificate of the current account

4. Proof of business address — electricity bill, rent agreement, sale deed, or lease deed

5. Active mobile number and email ID for OTP

6. Passport-size photograph of the signatory

Extra documents by entity type

• Partnership firm: Partnership deed

• LLP / Company: Certificate of Incorporation, MOA & AOA or LLP agreement

• Trust / Society: Registration certificate and trust deed

• HUF: PAN of the HUF and Karta's Aadhaar

If the property is not in your name, you will also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner.

Keep these ready as scanned copies in PDF or JPEG. The portal has fixed file size limits, so keep each file small and clear.

How to Get an IEC Certificate from the DGFT Portal?

Here is exactly how the process to apply for an IEC certificate works:

Step 1 : Register on the DGFT Portal

• Go to the official portal at dgft.gov.in and click "Register". 

• Choose "Importer/Exporter" as the user type. 

• Enter your name, email, mobile number, and PAN. 

• Verify both the email and mobile using the OTPs you receive.

Step 2: Open the Application Form

Log in and go to Services, then choose “IEC”, then click on “Apply for IEC”. 

This opens the application officially known as Aayaat Niryaat Form ANF-2A.

Step 3 : Fill Your Business Details

• Enter the entity type, PAN, date of establishment, nature of business, and registered address. 

• Add branch addresses if you have any. 

If your GSTIN is already linked, some fields fill in automatically.

Step 4 : Add Bank and Signatory Details

Enter your current account number, IFSC code, and branch name. Then add the details of the proprietor, partners, or directors.

Step 5 : Upload Documents

Upload the scanned copies listed above in the documents section. Make sure the details on every document match what you typed in the form. 

Step 6 : Sign the Application

Sign using Aadhaar-based e-Sign (OTP) or a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Proprietors usually use Aadhaar-based OTP, whereas companies and LLPs generally prefer a Class-3 DSC.

Step 7 :Pay the Government Fee

The government filing fee for IEC registration is ₹500. Pay the amount online by any one of the preferred payment methods (net banking, UPI, debit card, or credit card). You will get an acknowledgement immediately.

Step 8 : Receive and Download Your Certificate

DGFT then issues the certificate within 1 to 3 working days if all the data provided is approved. It is emailed to you and is also available on the portal at any time to download.

IEC Certificate Fees in India

Here is a breakdown of IEC certificate costs as notified in Appendix 2K of the Handbook of Procedures.

Note: Government fees can be revised by DGFT. Please confirm the current amount on dgft.gov.in before you pay.

IEC Certificate Validity and Renewal

The IEC certificate validity is for the lifetime of the entity or the importer/exporter. However, annual updating of the certificate is mandatory. Since 2021, DGFT requires every IEC holder to confirm or update their details every year between 1 April and 30 June. You must do this even if no changes have been reported in your business.

If you miss the 30 June deadline, DGFT automatically deactivates your IEC. A deactivated IEC means:

• Customs will not clear your consignments

• Your bank will not process export or import remittances

• Your export scheme claims can get stuck

This yearly confirmation is what most people refer to as the IEC certificate renewal.

How to Renew IEC Certificate?

1. Log in at dgft.gov.in with your registered credentials.

2. Go to Services → IEC → Update/Modify IEC.

3. Check every field — address, bank details, directors, branches.

4. Make corrections if anything has changed.

5. Sign with Aadhaar e-Sign or DSC and submit.

6. Pay ₹200 only if you changed details; a plain confirmation is free.

7. Download the updated certificate.

If your IEC was deactivated for missing the deadline, it can usually be reactivated by completing the pending update. 

Why Should You Update IEC Certificate Details and How to do it?

Common reasons to update IEC certificate include:

• Change of registered office or business address

• Change in bank account or IFSC

• Addition or resignation of a partner or director

• Change in business name after conversion

• Correction of an email ID or mobile number

• Adding a new branch or factory address

Updating the details is done similarly to filing for an IEC certificate: You go to Services → IEC → Update/Modify IEC on the DGFT portal, then sign and submit. Keep supporting proof ready for whatever you change.

Deactivation and Surrender of IEC Code

If a business discontinues its import-export activities or wishes to surrender its IEC Code. It can be done through these steps:

• Log in to the DGFT Portal: Use your credentials to go to the IEC management section.

• Apply for Deactivation/Surrender: Apply to stop your IEC registration through a proper termination process that includes valid reasons.

• Approval by DGFT: After DGFT gives its approval your IEC code stops working and you will get official confirmation.

How to Download IEC Certificate from DGFT?

Here is how to download an IEC certificate from DGFT:

1. Go to dgft.gov.in and log in with your registered user ID and password.

2. Enter the OTP sent to your mobile or email.

3. On the dashboard, click Services → IEC → Print IEC (or "Manage IEC").

4. Your certificate appears on screen with a QR code.

5. Click Download to save the PDF, or use the print option to print the certificate.

The PDF is a valid digital certificate acceptable by both customs and banks. If you have forgotten your login password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the portal, which resets it through OTP.

IEC Certificate Verification Online

Before you deal with a new supplier or buyer, it is recommended to check whether their IEC code is genuine and active or not. Buyers and banks may also want to run an IEC certificate verification check on you.

How to Do IEC Certificate Verification?

There are two methods available to verify:

Method 1 — On the DGFT portal

1. Visit dgft.gov.in.

2. Go to Services → IEC Profile Management → View Any IEC. No login is needed for basic details.

3. Enter the IEC number or PAN and the captcha.

4. The portal shows the entity name, address, issue date, and current status — Active or Deactivated.

Method 2 — Scan the QR code 

Every certificate issued through the portal carries a QR code. Scanning it opens the DGFT record for that code. This is the quickest IEC certificate verification check method and is very useful for spotting a forged copy.

What to Do After You Get Your IEC?

Getting the IEC certificate is step one. To actually ship for importing or exporting, you may also need:

1. AD Code registration with your bank and at your port of export.

2. ICEGATE registration for filing shipping bills and bills of entry.

3. LUT filing on the GST portal to export without paying IGST.

4. Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) from the relevant Export Promotion Council, if you want scheme benefits.

Why Choose Agile Regulatory for Your IEC Certificate?

Exporters and importers prefer us to get their ships on the oceans legally due to the following reasons:

• Handled by qualified professionals: Your file is prepared and reviewed by our CA/CS team, not by a data-entry operator.

• Document pre-check: We catch mismatches before DGFT does, so applications are not rejected or delayed.

• Fast turnaround: We help with smooth document filing so they are typically approved in 1–3 working days.

• Free renewal reminder: We alert you every April so you never miss the updation window.

• Full lifecycle support: With us, you get IEC registration, modification, download, verification, reactivation, AD Code, and ICEGATE — all under one roof.